The college football landscape is constantly evolving, and the linebacker position is no exception. In recent years, we have seen a rise in the number of elite linebackers entering the collegiate ranks, and the 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. Several top prospects have already committed to major programs, and the competition for the remaining uncommitted players is heating up. Here is a look at some of the top college linebackers in the 2025 class:
Among the top linebackers in the 2025 class is Shemar Stewart, a 6’2″, 220-pound linebacker from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Stewart is a physical specimen with a great combination of size, speed, and athleticism. He is a sideline-to-sideline playmaker who can make tackles all over the field. Stewart is also a very good pass rusher, and he has the potential to be a dominant force at the collegiate level. In addition to Stewart, several other top linebackers in the 2025 class include David Bailey (IMG Academy), Jaheim Oatis (Alabama), and Jeremiah Alexander (IMG Academy).
The 2025 linebacker class is loaded with talent, and these are just a few of the top prospects to watch. As the recruiting process continues, we can expect to see even more elite linebackers join the ranks of the 2025 class. The future of the linebacker position in college football is bright, and these young players are poised to make a big impact at the next level.
Five-Star Prospects Set to Make Impact in 2025
Number 1: Harold Perkins, LSU
Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 210 pounds, Harold Perkins is widely regarded as the top linebacker prospect in the 2025 recruiting class. A standout at Cypress Park High School in Houston, Texas, Perkins possesses a combination of size, speed, and athleticism that has drawn comparisons to former All-American linebackers like Reuben Foster and Isaiah Simmons. With his exceptional instincts, physicality, and coverage skills, Perkins is projected to make an immediate impact upon arriving at LSU, bolstering the Tigers’ defense with his ability to disrupt offenses in multiple ways.
Number 2: Jaydn Ott, Cal
Jaydn Ott is another highly touted linebacker prospect in the 2025 class. The 6’2″, 220-pound linebacker from Rancho Cucamonga, California, has impressed scouts with his exceptional speed and agility. Ott is known for his ability to quickly diagnose plays and react instinctively, making him an effective presence in both run defense and pass coverage. As he continues to develop his technique and strength, Ott has the potential to be a versatile and impactful linebacker at Cal.
Number 3: David Bailey, Texas
David Bailey is a 6’3″, 230-pound linebacker from Duncanville, Texas, who has garnered significant attention from college recruiters. Bailey combines impressive size with exceptional athleticism, displaying a natural ability to shed blocks and pursue ball carriers. His football instincts and ability to read offenses allow him to anticipate plays and make key tackles. With his physicality and natural talent, Bailey is expected to make a significant contribution to the Texas Longhorns defense in the years to come.
| Name | Position | Height | Weight | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harold Perkins | Linebacker | 6’3″ | 210 lbs | LSU |
| Jaydn Ott | Linebacker | 6’2″ | 220 lbs | Cal |
| David Bailey | Linebacker | 6’3″ | 230 lbs | Texas |
Physicality and Athleticism: Key Attributes for Top Linebackers
Linebackers are the backbone of any defense, and their physicality and athleticism are essential to their success. Top linebackers are able to cover a lot of ground, tackle with power, and disrupt opposing offenses. Here are some of the key physical and athletic attributes that top linebackers possess:
Size and Strength
Linebackers need to be big and strong enough to take on blockers and make tackles. They typically weigh between 220 and 250 pounds, and they have a lot of muscle mass. Linebackers also need to be strong in their legs, core, and upper body.
Speed and Agility
Linebackers need to be fast and agile enough to cover ground and make tackles. They typically run the 40-yard dash in under 4.6 seconds, and they have good lateral movement skills. Linebackers also need to be able to change direction quickly and accelerate out of breaks.
Power and Tackle Ability
Linebackers need to be able to generate power and tackle opponents effectively. They typically have good tackling technique, and they are able to wrap up and bring down ball carriers. Linebackers also need to be able to shed blocks and make tackles in the open field.
Football IQ and Instincts
Linebackers need to have a high football IQ and good instincts. They need to be able to read the offense and make plays. Linebackers also need to be able to communicate with their teammates and adjust to different formations and plays.
Other Important Attributes
In addition to the physical and athletic attributes listed above, top linebackers also typically possess the following:
* Good balance and coordination
* Toughness and determination
* Leadership skills
These attributes are all important for linebackers to be successful at the highest level.
| Attribute | Importance |
|---|---|
| Size and Strength | Essential for taking on blockers and making tackles |
| Speed and Agility | Necessary for covering ground and making tackles |
| Power and Tackle Ability | Critical for generating power and tackling opponents effectively |
| Football IQ and Instincts | Important for reading the offense and making plays |
| Other Important Attributes | Balance, coordination, toughness, determination, leadership skills |
Game-Changing Abilities: Playmakers to Keep an Eye On
Mobility and Athleticism
Linebackers with exceptional mobility and athleticism can cover vast areas of the field, pursue ball carriers with alarming speed, and make plays from sideline to sideline. Their quickness and agility enable them to react swiftly to changing play actions and disruptive schemes, making them valuable assets in any defensive scheme.
Instincts and Field Awareness
Top linebackers possess an uncanny ability to read offenses, anticipate ball carriers’ intentions, and position themselves to make impactful plays. Their field awareness allows them to recognize potential threats and adjust their positioning accordingly, enabling them to create opportunities for turnovers and prevent significant gains.
Tackling Ability
Effective tackling is the cornerstone of top-notch linebackers. They have the strength, technique, and instincts to bring down ball carriers effectively, often generating forced fumbles or even turnovers. Their ability to secure tackles in the open field or in heavy traffic is crucial for preventing first downs and setting up the defense for success.
Blitz Potential
Linebackers with exceptional blitz capabilities can wreak havoc on opposing offenses by disrupting passing lanes, sacking quarterbacks, and forcing turnovers. Their ability to generate pressure from various angles and penetrate the backfield makes them a formidable threat to any offense.
Leadership and Team Impact
Top college linebackers are not only gifted athletes but also natural leaders on the field. They possess strong communication skills, inspire their teammates, and set a standard of excellence for the entire defense. Their ability to rally the team, adjust calls, and make critical decisions in high-pressure situations is invaluable to any successful football program.
Versatility and Adaptability
Modern football demands linebackers who are versatile and adaptable. They must be able to play effectively in multiple schemes, align at different positions, and fulfill various roles on the defense. Their ability to transition between gap control, pass coverage, and blitzing responsibilities showcases their comprehensive skillset and invaluable contribution to the team.
Top College Linebackers for the 2025 Season
As we approach the 2025 college football season, scouts are eagerly anticipating the emergence of some exceptional linebackers. These young athletes possess a unique blend of speed, power, athleticism, and football IQ that makes them stand out on the field. Here is a look at some of the top college linebackers who are expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming season:
1. David Bailey, Ohio State University
A highly touted recruit, Bailey is known for his exceptional speed and athleticism. His ability to cover sideline to sideline makes him a threat to opposing offenses. Bailey is also a gifted pass rusher with a knack for getting to the quarterback.
2. Jayden McGowan, University of Alabama
McGowan is a physical specimen with a solid build and tremendous strength. He excels in the run game, using his power to shed blocks and make tackles. McGowan also has good instincts and can disrupt passing lanes.
3. Sonny Styles, Ohio State University
Styles is a versatile linebacker who can play inside or outside. He possesses a high football IQ and is able to read opposing offenses with ease. Styles is also a strong tackler and can cover a lot of ground.
People Also Ask
Who is the best college linebacker for 2025?
David Bailey is widely considered to be the top college linebacker for the 2025 season based on his combination of speed, athleticism, and football IQ.
Which college has the best linebackers for 2025?
Ohio State University is shaping up to have the best linebacking corps for the 2025 season with the presence of David Bailey and Sonny Styles.
What is the average height and weight of a top college linebacker?
Top college linebackers typically range from 6 feet to 6 feet 3 inches in height and weigh between 220 and 245 pounds.
